After trying a few (5 or 6) different arts and not finding one that seemed to "fit" I had about given up looking for one that delivered what I thought it should. I also started in Judo as a kid, but a family move put us into an area that had zero training around so I took an extended leave from the MA's. After moving to Southern Michigan inthe Battle Creek area I tried a couple of different schools and styles but none grabbed me, and a couple were just horrible experences (which I will not discuss which schools they were, before anyone even asks.) Another move brought me to Northern Maine and I walked into the Bujinkan dojo in Presque Isle, ME out of pure curiosity. I would have signed up that night, but the instructor told me to come to classes for a couple of weeks, then sign up if I still wanted to. I did! There have been a few changes, but the overall feel is still there and the love for the art itself has never lagged, even through a long absence due to marriage, kids, and job changes. I am back training now and look forward to a long time left in the art.
I didn't grow up in the front pew of a church so I was a bit rough around the edges you might say. The art offered everything I wanted on the "Martial" side, and what I was looking for as well on the "Art" side. Punches, Kicks, Ground work, Throws, Locks, Weapon work (6', 4' and 3' staff; knife; sword; chain; etc...) Absolutly everything I could think of needing to know, as well as being not flowery/large movements that I just am not cut-out to do. In essence, it just felt like it was tailor made for the way I thought and moved already.